Skagit Land Trust (SLT) conserves wildlife habitat, agricultural and forest lands, scenic open space, wetlands, and shorelines for the benefit of our community and as a legacy for future generations. SLT’s priority is protecting the conservation values for which our properties were protected. Where appropriate, public access to Trust owned properties is one of the many public benefits of Trust ownership of land.

The public is welcome to visit open conservation areas and engage in nature observation and low-impact recreational activities such as hiking and wildlife watching. Visitors should stay on marked trails, where they exist, to minimize disturbance of native plants and wildlife, and to avoid hazards. Visitors may help other members of the public enjoy these places by recreating in quiet, unobtrusive ways, preserving the natural sights and sounds of SLT conservation areas.

The information about public access on this page applies to SLT owned conservation areas, not to lands protected by an agreement with a private land owner. The Trust does not require that all private landowners we work with allow public access.

As a proud partner of Leave No Trace, we follow their principles to ensure environmentally responsible outdoor enjoyment on our properties.

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors

To learn more about Leave No Trace, click here.

Additionally,

• Stay out of environmentally sensitive areas. These are not limited to but may include bogs, surfaces with thin soil cover, wildlife breeding and rearing habitat, wetlands, areas with rare or fragile vegetation.
• Follow good practices to limit the introduction of non-native species, including cleaning clothing and items used in the field to limit the spread of non-native seeds and diseases.
• Stay on constructed trails, where they exist, to minimize disturbance of native plants and wildlife, and to avoid hazards.
• Visitors may help other members of the public enjoy these places by recreating in quiet, unobtrusive ways, preserving natural sights and sounds.

We would also love to see you at some our on-site events! Help steward conservation areas by attending a SLT field event or by becoming a member.

Activities Prohibited on Trust Lands

• Trapping, harassment, or feeding of wildlife

• Motorized vehicles, biking, or horseback riding

• Flying of UA’s (unmanned aircraft, otherwise referred to as ‘drones’) and hobby aircraft

• Walking with pets off-leash - pets are allowed on-leash on Trust properties

• Lighting fires or fireworks, including smoking

• Littering or dumping

• Camping

• Collecting or harvest of natural resources, including (but not limited to) native plants, mushrooms, rocks, and firewood. Visitors may pick and enjoy a handful of native berries while on the property. Non-native blackberries may be collected in unlimited quantities!

• Playing music or making other noise that disrupts the natural soundscape

• Destroying native vegetation or natural features

• Installation of wildlife or trail cameras

• Shooting (such as at targets or natural features)

• Removing Trust signs or property boundary markers

• Development of new trails

• Other activities that threaten or harm the conservation values of Trust properties

Click here for a printable brochure with information on visiting Skagit Land Trust properties.

Potential Hazards

Use of Trust lands for recreational activities is free and open to the public per RCW 4.24.210.

There are various natural hazards visitors may encounter on Trust lands. Natural hazards may include, but are not limited to; wildlife, vegetation, unstable trees or slopes, uneven ground, water bodies, weather, or events such as flooding, landslides, and forest fires. Visitors should be comfortable with their own ability to identify and appropriately avoid or respond to hazards.

The Trust regularly receives reports of animals such as bears and cougars on our lands. Part of our mission is to provide habitat for such wildlife. While a visitor encounter with one of these animals is unlikely, it is possible. WDFW provides some guidance on handling wildlife encounters with potentially dangerous wildlife:

• Cougars
• Black bears

F.A.Q.

Are all of Skagit Land Trusts’ lands open for public use?

Almost all of our lands are open for the public to enjoy. We may restrict some properties that are particularly sensitive to disturbance (for example, if a property is heavily used for nesting). We also may restrict access to some lands to ensure visitor safety. To see the restrictions placed on the land you are interested in, visit our Lands We Protect page. You are also welcome to email us at information@skagitlandtrust.org to check in!

Are there bathrooms, tables, shelters etc. on properties?

The majority of our lands were protected as conservation areas and do not have amenities such as bathrooms, tables, or shelters for public use. To see what areas we recommend for walking and hiking trips, which generally have parking and developed trails, please see our Visiting Trust Properties page.

Is hunting allowed on Skagit Land Trust properties?

Hunting is allowed on limited properties. Please visit our hunting page for more information. Note that trapping, harassment, or feeding of wildlife is prohibited on Trust lands.

Is fishing allowed on Skagit Land Trust properties?

Yes, as generally permitted by WDFW. Learn more here!

Can I have events (weddings, etc) on Skagit Land Trust Properties?

We love to see our lands being used by community members, but our lands are not set up to host large groups or events. Small groups may be able to responsibly utilize our lands for an event without negatively impacting conservation values on a site. Please email us at information@skagitlandtrust.org to request permission to hold a small event on Trust land.

Are dogs allowed on Skagit Land Trust Properties?

Dogs on leash are welcome on most of Skagit Land Trusts Properties. Many of our properties are home to salmon bearing streams, or have water which contribute to our local marine health. Please be sure to scoop up your dog’s poop to help maintain water quality for all those who use these waterways!

Is camping allowed on Skagit Land Trust properties?

We encourage the public to visit our lands, but we do not allow camping. There are many designated campgrounds and areas where camping is allowed in Skagit County, and we encourage you to visit one of those places if you would like to camp.

Learn more about camping in...

• Skagit County campgrounds: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/ParksAndRecreation/facilities.htm
• Washington State Parks campgrounds: https://www.parks.state.wa.us/281/Find-a-Park
• Nearby Forest Service campgrounds: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/mbs/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=17520&actid=29
• North Cascades National Park campgrounds: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/camping.htm

Can I get involved in restoration work on my favorite property?

Yes! We have stewardship volunteer and citizen science opportunities on all of our properties and many of our easements. If you are interested in upcoming events, please click here. If you have a group who would like to schedule an event, or if you would like more information, please email us at volunteer@skagitlandtrust.org.

SLT established these guidelines to protect conservation values of our conservation areas, and to ensure that visitors have safe, enjoyable experiences. If these procedures are not followed by visitors, important conservation values may be threatened. SLT reserves the right to enforce protections on these lands, as well as close properties that have previously been open to public access if necessary to protect them.